Surgical Assistants
Overview
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site.
What do they do?
Surgical assistants help with surgical operations. Surgical assistants help surgeons with tasks such as making incisions, placing clamps, and closing surgical sites. Surgical assistants have a hands-on role, directly assisting surgeons during a procedure. For example, they may help to suction the incision site or suture a wound.
Surgical assistants and technologists work as members of a healthcare team alongside physicians and surgeons, registered nurses, and other healthcare workers.
How to become one
Surgical assistants typically need a certificate or an associate’s degree. Employers may require or prefer that workers have certification.
